“Tom Uncle” Is Back! Tom Cruise Visits Korea for the 13th Time for His New Thriller Digger

If there’s one Hollywood superstar who holds a truly legendary bond with South Korea, it’s Tom Cruise.

On October 1st, Cruise landed in Seoul for a press conference at the Conrad Seoul Hotel to promote his highly anticipated new disaster blockbuster, Digger. This marks his 13th official visit to South Korea-earning him the ultimate title of a true “Pro-Visitor” among Korean fans!

What Is Digger About?

Nine years in the making, Digger promises one of the most intense and unpredictable cinematic rides of Cruise’s career.

• The Plot: Cruise stars as Digger Rockwell, an eccentric, larger-than-life billionaire operating a high-tech glacier drilling facility deep in Greenland. But when a tiny, seemingly harmless crack forms in the ice, it sets off a catastrophic chain reaction that threatens to unleash global devastation.
• The Vibe: Think massive scale, relentless tension, and a deeply atmospheric, survival-thriller edge that showcases a whole new side of Cruise beyond his classic action roles.

Why South Korea Loves Their “Tom-Hyung” (Tom-Uncle)

In South Korea, fans don’t just call him “Tom Cruise”-”they affectionately call him “Tom-Hyung” (or Tom-Sam, meaning “Tom Uncle”). In Korean culture, Hyung is a warm term used to address an older, trusted brother or close friend.

His genuine politeness, endless fan service, and warm interactions over the decades have made him a beloved household name in the country. Responding to the deafening cheers during the conference, Cruise joked with his signature beaming smile:

“I love being here so much. I promise I’ll come back to Korea at least 30 more times!”

With its jaw-dropping scale, gripping storyline, and a wild new performance from Cruise, Digger hits theaters on October 3rd. If you’re looking for your next big movie night, keep this one right at the top of your watch list!